You will be introduced to the basic concepts of writing a screenplay, including dialogue, layered characters, and the Three-Act Structure. You will also write a script.

With a focus on the collaborative nature of writing, you will be taught how to critically analyze scripts and learn the process for developing and sharing script notes so as to get the best results.

You will be trained on how a production comes together from pre-production through post. Working with small crews, you will gain hands-on experience in studio.

You will become familiar with editing stations, workflow, and software, and learn how to build tension and elicit emotional responses through various storytelling techniques.

You will explore the history of moving pictures from its inception to the present, with a focus on how trends are shaped by the social and political environments of the day.

You will be introduced to the unique style, structure and rules of dramatic television, and act as showrunner for the mock production of a scene from your pilot.

You will become versed in the structure and pacing of sketch, talk show and sitcom writing. You will also write a script for an existing sitcom and one of your own creation.

You will learn the process for showrunning your own series. You will finalize a pilot script, cast and shoot a scene or direct and produce your own short film.

You will learn to write commercially saleable scripts for the screen, with a focus on research, story structure, conflict, dialogue, feedback, rewrites as well as novel adaptations, beat sheets, and more. Throughout these four courses, you will write a feature film and pitch materials.

You will be taught how to write for studio productions, including the fundamentals of scripting for news reports, corporate videos, commercials, promos, and PSAs.

You will practice the skills necessary to write television and film documentaries, including learning how to conduct interviews, pitch ideas, research, and the handling of revisions.

You will focus on how to write movies for television, including how to assess the characteristics of a story to determine its suitability for production.

You will focus on developing and pitching an original factual entertainment concept, including creating a proposal and episode structure, casting, and budgeting.

You will explore the technical decisions made by a production’s director, best practices for working with actors, and how to effectively communicate with crew members.

You will learn the proper formats for marketing and promotional initiatives, and how to work with clients. As part of a team, you will plan, produce and deliver a variety of videos.

You will become familiar with the language, strategies and requirements involved in securing funding for a project, including the use of grants and tax incentives available today.

You will become versed in contracts, copyright infringement, clearances, music rights, intellectual property rights, ownership and payments, and brands.

You will make production and distribution choices as you develop an understanding of the industry’s sales process and how to identify profitable markets. You will learn the language of broadcast and film sales, and be taught how to create one sheets, forecasts and marketing and promotion plans for a project.

You will be provided with an overview of the cinema landscape outside of North America, including a study of its directors and their influence on global filmmaking.

You will be taught the strategies for working with agents, lawyers and managers in your career. You will also be taught how to build a portfolio relevant to your career interests.

Guest speakers will teach you how changes in technology, law and distribution are rapidly changing the storytelling landscape.